From time to time, I receive wines samples from wineries or their public relations agencies for review. I’ve decided to feature such samples on #WineWednesday’s.
This is the second vintage of Faust I’ve tried (I also tried the 2011).
The Winery
Faust Winery is the creation of Augustin Huneeus and it continues to satisfy his long-held desire to produce a wine that embodies the most seductive characteristics of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Born in Santiago, Chile, Agustin is one of the few vintners who has dedicated his entire professional life to wine. With a career spanning 50 years, he has produced wine in more than 15 countries. Perhaps best known today for creating Quintessa, the stunning biodynamic vineyard and winery estate he and his wife Valeria own in Rutherford, Napa Valley, Agustin is recognized as a driving force in how fine wine is produced, recognized, sold and marketed in the United States. The philosophy that great vineyards make great wine is his guiding principle.
The Faust vineyard is located in Coombsville, Napa Valley’s newest appellation located in the eastern foothills south of Atlas Peak. It consists of 110 acres of mature Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines, with small plantings of Petit Verdot, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard is farmed in ten distinct blocks, all of which have a unique character. Yields on the property are especially low as extra care is put into practices such as winter pruning, green harvest and selective picking.
Faust also seeks small lots from family growers in other unique Napa Valley growing districts including Yountville, Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder, St. Helena and Rutherford.
Faust is certified under the Napa Green Certified Land Program.
The Wine
The 2012 vintage is a blend of 80% Cabernet, 16% Merlot, 2% Cab Franc and 2% Petite Verdot. After extended maceration and malolactic fermentation in barrel, it was aged 19 months in 30% new French oak. Over fifty percent of the fruit for 2012 came from the 110-acre Faust Vineyard in the Coombsville district 14.5% alcohol. Retail – $50
My tasting notes follow:
Deep garnet color. It offers blackberry, plum, cassis and hints of cacao and violets aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with good acidity, soft well-integrated tannins and an appealing texture with blackberry, plum, cassis, and extra dark chocolate flavors. >>Find this wine<<
Pair with: Lamb chops, Korean Sizzling Beef, Slow cooked Beef Brisket or Meatloaf
Wine provided as a sample for review. Many thanks to Fineman PR
Ratings Key:
Martin Redmond is a Financial Executive by day, and a certified wine geek with latent foodie tendencies the rest of the time. In addition to the wine lifestyle and food he enjoys family, fitness and traveling. He likes to get thoughts of wine off his mind by sharing experiences on his ENOFYLZ Wine blog, which features wine reviews, wine country travel, and wine and food pairings.
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